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Post by dottyhen on Mar 5, 2015 14:46:42 GMT
Hi, I am thinking of making some nuno felt yardage using silk gauze and a single layer of merino, then cutting out and sewing a sleeveless vest/waistcoat (I don't feel confident to try doing a seamless garment just yet)! But I am worried that the cut edges will fray. When I cut nuno felt made with sari silk it does fray. What are people's experience when using gauze? And if it is going to be a problem, what is the best way to overcome it? I am particularly concerned about the edges down the front. Thanks, Jane
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Post by MTRuth on Mar 5, 2015 15:05:25 GMT
Jane - I have done this before with silk gauze and merino. I didn't have any trouble with fraying. I did make sure that the edges were well covered. Also, if you know where you're going to cut, you could add a bit extra merino in those areas. But it should work just fine.
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Post by Pandagirl on Mar 5, 2015 16:47:05 GMT
Good luck Jane. I look forward to seeing your Nuno yardage and finished vest. I think silk gauze is a lot stronger than it looks. It does shrink a lot so you may want to do a test before laying out unless you're confident you'll have more than enough. Have fun!
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Post by dottyhen on Mar 5, 2015 17:23:44 GMT
Thanks for your replies. I have made quite a few scarves using the same gauze and amount of merino that I am thinking of, so am reasonably confident I can make a piece wide enough for the pattern pieces my mum helped me create. But I didn't want to cut into a scarf to check whether it would fray! And am too lazy to do a sample that won't get used! I will post a picture when I have finished it.
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Post by elizabeth on Mar 5, 2015 21:10:54 GMT
You could use the sample as a patch pocket. Full disclosure: I'd probably not make a sample either.. ;-)
So I understand what you're planning: you'll make a piece of fabric (or pieces) and then cut them out using a pattern and sew them together. Just like buying pattern & fabric from the store?
I've been tempted to do that since I really don't have space to make a fully felted garment that would fit me. If you have a serger the silk will definitely not fray. I've been deconstructing several thrift store garment and they all have serged seams.
I will be fun to see what you end up with.
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Post by koffipot on Mar 5, 2015 21:25:28 GMT
Fraying shouldn't be a problem. I've made vests and jackets from yardage without problem. In fact I prefer making yardage to making seamless garments, I feel the shape and fit is better for me! If you feel the fabric may fray - though it's highly unlikely - then rub the edges to felt in the fibres a bit more.
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Post by dottyhen on Mar 5, 2015 22:44:23 GMT
Well, after your words of encouragement, I plunged straight in. Maybe not the most sensible thing to do at 6 in the evening!I commandeered the dining table as my normal folding tale isn't wide enough and managed to get three cats out of the way. And after a good 3.5 hours, I have some nuno yardage drying over the bath. I started with 3 metres by 1 metre (having to scroll it as I worked :-( )and it looks as though I have plenty to accommodate my pattern pieces (yes, Elizabeth, you are spot on re my plans). The dining table is a little too low so I expect my back will be aching in the morning, but hopefully it will be worth it. I forgot to say, Ruth, your top is lovely. I hope mine looks as good when it is finished. I'm planning on hand sewing as my machine isn't a serger, although was considering doing a close zigzag, if I can get it straight!
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Post by MTRuth on Mar 6, 2015 0:36:12 GMT
I didn't use a serger. Just a normal straight stitch on the sewing machine. Worked great.
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Post by koffipot on Mar 6, 2015 7:00:28 GMT
Hand sewing works well too. If your fabric is thick, then overlapping seams cut down on bulk and can look both attractive and decorative depending on your choice of stitch and thread. Looking forward to seeing photos.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Mar 6, 2015 14:58:46 GMT
Jane, we will look forward to seeing what you make with your nuno felt yardage. I’ve made nuno felt scarves and a seamless nuno felt tunic but never before attempted yardage. It’s always encouraging to see what other folks are doing on the Forum!
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Post by Shepherdess on Mar 6, 2015 21:55:35 GMT
You could sew your cut edges with a strait or small zig zag to prevent fraying. I find its better to cut and sew too. with no stretch in felted fabric it can be hard to get a good fit and be able to get it on.
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